The FDA has recently approved Skyla, a new hormone-releasing system that is placed in the uterus for the prevention of pregnancy. Click here to view the Press Release in PDF Format!

The Academy of Oncology Nurse Navigators white paper, "Assessing the Creative Application and Usefulness of NSider: A Tactical Tool for the Oncology Nurse Navigator" was published in the journal, The Oncology Nurse-APN/NP.

Vast cancer genetics database could aid drug discoveryLos Angeles TimesResearchers at the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, Md., announced that they had assembled the world's largest database of cancer-related genetic variations — the data will be available for researchers to plumb as they work to understand how genetics and cancer are related — and what medications work best to fight different cancers.

Whole genome testing may soon replace genetic testing, but how effective is it?Medical DailyIllnesses arise as a result of heredity and environment. The environment can sometimes alter our genetic information, and this genetic information can ultimately undergo minor or major changes, causing diseases and disorders. It is useful, then, for doctors to utilize genetic testing in order to test for specific ailments, such as cancer, especially if a patient shows potential symptoms or has a family history of the disease.

How patients experience direct-to-consumer genetic testingScienceDailySeveral companies sell genetic testing directly to consumers, but little research has been done on how consumers experience such tests. The tests have raised questions about the validity and accuracy of the information provided to consumers — especially without the involvement of a qualified healthcare professional.

Prognosis: Healthy earnings for pharma, biotechCNBCPharmaceutical and biotech stocks have handsomely outperformed markets this year, and with Johnson & Johnson's second-quarter earnings beat, investors may hope earnings will push stocks even higher. However, the actual results for many large-cap pharma companies — such as Novartis, Pfizer, Merck and Eli Lilly — are unlikely to inspire as they wade through the tail end of patent cliffs, and fight against currency headwinds. As a result, news on the pipelines will be where investors will focus their attention.

Advisers handle hot biotech stocks with careThe Wall Street JournalBiotechnology stock funds are staging a robust rebound from last month's retreat, leading more advisers to dip their toes back into one of 2013's hottest markets.
In such a wide-ranging sector, however, portfolio managers are acting with special care. Some are taking precautions against a pullback, and see signs that, after a multiyear-run, bigger may no longer be better.

Blood vessel network successfully created from stem cellsMedical New TodayScientists have created blood vessels in mice using human stems cells, leading to potential new treatments for cardiovascular disease, according to research published in PNAS Early Edition. The researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital extracted vascular precursor cells derived from human-induced pluripotent stem cells — reprogrammed adult cells similar to embryonic stem cells — from one group of healthy adults, and from another group with type 1 diabetes.

Stem cells directed using magnetsBioscience TechnologyMagnets could be a tool for directing stem cells' healing powers to treat conditions such as heart disease or vascular disease. By feeding stem cells tiny particles made of magnetized iron oxide, scientists at Emory and Georgia Tech can then use magnets to attract the cells to a particular location in a mouse's body after intravenous injection.

Smart wearable sensors and their growing applications in today's healthcare industryBy Dr. Afsaneh Motamed-KhorasaniThe aging U.S. population affected by chronic conditions and the skyrocking healthcare costs forces the U.S. healthcare system to face daunting challenges. There have been many contributing factors in this issue, which are outside of the realm of this article. However, how we will be able to provide quality care to an increasing number of individuals with complex chronic medical conditions and maximize their independence and participation, remains to be an ongoing challenge. One possible way that comes to mind could be to leverage the advances in information technology in micro- and nanotechnologies, sensor miniaturization, smart fabrics as well as remote monitoring in order to increase the independency of an aging population with various degrees of disabilities without letting it become a burden to the healthcare industry.

Study: Telemedicine services led to jump in hospital revenueiHealthBeatHospitals that leverage telemedicine and referred patients to children's facilities experienced a significant boost in revenue, according to a study. Researchers from University of California-Davis Children's Hospital examined billing information from July 2003 to December 2010 for patients transferred from 16 hospitals that used telemedicine to nearby children's facilities.

Healthcare law may close gaps in mental health coverageLos Angeles TimesA disjointed financing system for mental health services in California has led to gaps in care, but the national healthcare law is expected to help close some of those holes, according to new research by the California HealthCare Foundation. Half of the state's adults and two-thirds of the adolescents with mental health issues aren't receiving treatment, according to the study.

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